A cup of tea and an ear for listening and some kind words had a major impact on the lives of many.
The beautiful area of The Gap in Sydney Australia is one that draws the attention of many tourists. It is also a place that a lot think of as ideal for committing suicide.
A Common Occurrence for Don Ritchie
It was a common sight for Don to see many people standing on the Gap enjoying the beauty of area.
It had also become a common occurrence to see many standing their about to take their last breath. It was then that Don would go into action.
A Man That Made Words Count
Don Ritchie may not have spoke words of wisdom but he spoke words that mattered.
Don’s suicide intervention would often begin with a short phrase such as “ Can I help you in some way?” Followed by an invitation to come and have a cup of tea and talk. For at least 160 people these were the only words that mattered at that time. The words that were about to save their lives.
According To Don
Mr. Ritchie had a simple philosophy which was you just can’t sit there and watch them.
A philosophy that he stuck by for all the years that he had his residence by The Gap. He was not one of those who would turn his back and pretend nothing was about to happen. Or to live by the “don’t get involved” concept.
The Life Insurance Salesman That Sold Life
Don’s approach to those who were at the depths of despair was a simple one. To sell them life.
His zest for looking after others dates back to when he was a lookout in the Navy. It would seem that Don’s commitment to the people of his nation was carried over into his private life and he took the position of being the look out at The Gap.
Recognition for the Saving of Lives
Don Received the Order of Australia
A small token of appreciation for the many lives he had saved.
Don put the medal aside his other medals that he had earned during his military service as he was a member of the Royal Australian Navy.
A Walk Along The Grove Walkway Named After Don Ritchie
Visitors to The Gap today are reminded of Don as they walk along the Don Ritchie Grove
Mourning For The Angel Of The Gap
For those who knew or have come to know about Don Ritchie the title of “Angel Of The Gap” is more than fitting.
What Don took the time out to do for total strangers cannot be praised enough especially when we live in a world that is so full of distrust. It is most likely that those who Don saved would find that the title of “Angel of The Gap” was most fitting. They too will have mourned the loss of Mr. Ritchie when he passed away on May 13, 2012.
Another Miracle at The Gap
While the Gap is famous as being a tourist attraction and made more famous because of Don Ritchie, there is more that brings attention to The Gap.
The Story of Nellie Bishop
Nellie like so many others hit a dark spot in her life that led her to The Gap to put an end to it all.
It was November 14, 1943 when Nellie thew herself off the point of The Gap. Expecting to crash into the sharp rocks below. As fast as she jumped a huge wave rolled in and covered the rocks.
A Change of Heart
It is said that the moment Nellie jumped she had a change of heart and wanted to live.
Instead of hitting the sharp rocks Nellie was saved by the wave that had pooled and covered the rocks, so that nearby fishermen were able to save her.
Nellie had been distraught because her beau had been injured in the war and could not have children. Which dashed Nellie’s greatest dream which was to have a family.
The Future Is Changed
One of Nellie’s grandson’s became a Police negotiator who often was summoned to The Gap to talk someone down from ending their life.
Nellie went on in life and eventually married and had a large family. Some of which went on to play a major part in the lives of others as policemen.
Ninety Years Later
The grandchildren of the fishermen and the grandchildren of Nellie Bishop met up ninety years later to share details of the story.
The Miracles of The Gap
While The Gap has multiple stories of tragedy as a result of those who took their lives, there are stories of miracles. Those as a result of Don Ritchie as well as Nellie Bishop who clearly impacted the future of many.
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